Arizona Security Deposit Demand Letter (A.R.S. § 33-1321)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321, a landlord must return the security deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 14 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a demand, not counting weekends or legal holidays. This letter is my written demand for the return of my deposit.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the amount wrongfully withheld, plus damages of twice that amount.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Arizona
Arizona landlords must return the security deposit, minus lawful deductions, within 14 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant returns possession and makes a demand. Those 14 days don't count Saturdays, Sundays or legal holidays, so in practice the deadline is roughly three weeks. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent and damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear.
The landlord must mail the tenant an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount being refunded, by first-class mail to the tenant's last known place of residence unless the tenant arranged otherwise in writing. If you don't dispute the deductions within 60 days after the list is mailed, the amounts become final. Tenants have the right to be present at the move-out inspection, and total deposits, including prepaid rent, are capped at one and a half months' rent.
If a landlord fails to follow these rules, the tenant may recover the money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. The small claims division of Arizona's justice courts hears disputes up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs. Neither side may be represented by counsel in small claims hearings.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Arizona limit: $5,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Arizona, the rules are set out in Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the amount wrongfully withheld, plus damages of twice that amount.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Arizona the limit is $5,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Arizona security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321, a landlord must return the security deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 14 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a demand, not counting weekends or legal holidays. This letter is my written demand for the return of my deposit.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the amount wrongfully withheld, plus damages of twice that amount.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Arizona landlord have to return a deposit?
14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, you return possession and you demand the deposit. Sending this letter is a clear written demand, which helps start the clock.
Does an Arizona landlord have to itemize deductions?
Yes. The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any balance due. Charges must be tied to unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, not routine aging of the unit.
What can I recover if my Arizona landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
The deposit amount wrongfully withheld, plus damages equal to twice that amount. In total, that can be up to three times the sum the landlord kept without a valid reason. Dispute any deductions you disagree with within 60 days after the itemized list is mailed.
Can I sue for my deposit in Arizona small claims?
Yes. The small claims division of the justice court hears claims up to $5,000. Hearings are informal and neither side may be represented by counsel, so bring your lease, photos, move-out documents and this letter.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.